Javier Mendez Doubts Usman Nurmagomedov Will Receive Immediate UFC Title Shot

Javier Mendez, coach of Usman Nurmagomedov, believes that the UFC is unlikely to offer Nurmagomedov an immediate title shot upon his potential signing. This comes after Nurmagomedov's successful title defense against Archie Colgan at PFL New York, which marked the end of his contract with the organization.

Mendez argues that granting Nurmagomedov a debut championship fight would undermine the UFC's standing, suggesting it would indicate that competitors like the PFL possess top-tier fighters. He stated that if Nurmagomedov were to defeat the champion, it would challenge the perception of the UFC as the home of the best fighters.

Usman's manager, Ali Abdelaziz, has proposed that a matchup against former champion Ilia Topuria would be suitable for Nurmagomedov's first fight in the UFC, asserting that Nurmagomedov could dominate most lightweights, with the exception of Arman Tsarukyan.